INDIANAPOLIS, April 25, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Spartan Chassis, a subsidiary of Spartan Motors, Inc. (Nasdaq:SPAR), Fouts Bros. and PolyBilt today unveiled their apparatus, the CMP 300, at the Fire Department Instructors Conference (FDIC). The CMP 300 integrates a Polyprene body and tank, a first for the emergency response industry. This innovative construction enables many operational benefits including larger compartments, the ability to carry more water on-board, along with a lower center of gravity to improve vehicle stability. Built on the Metro Star-X Custom Spartan Chassis, the truck will be sold by Fouts Bros. Fire Equipment and will be on display in booth 8427 through Saturday.
"American fire trucks are typically made out of aluminum or stainless steel," says Dennis Schneider, President of Spartan Emergency Response, "however Polyprene models are attractive because of their lower cost, reduced weight and excellent durability. PolyBilt is a pioneering supplier of poly-based bodies, so we are were pleased to have the partnership with Fouts Bros., PolyBilt and Spartan as this truck is about redefining technology."
The PolyBilt body's strength and flexibility reduces shock transfers through the body in the event of a high-speed collision, keeping damage to a minimum. Additionally, its lighter weight body carries more equipment in larger compartments, is heat resistant (vehicle paint will ignite and tires will melt before the body is affected) and the body is less likely to rust, corrode, crack, chip or peel.
"Spartan Chassis and PolyBilt are renowned suppliers in the emergency response vehicle industry," says Scott Edens, president and CEO of Fouts Bros. "We pride ourselves on manufacturing affordable products that provide great value to our customers and the CMP 300 will be an important vehicle in our lineup."
Spartan Motors' business strategy is embodied in The Spartan D.R.I.V.E. Plan, a five-point business approach.
D.R.I.V.E.
- Diversified Growth
- Redefining Technology and Innovation, Develop Exciting Products Value
- Integration of the Enterprise to Achieve Operational Improvement
- Vibrant Culture
- Extend Our Core Markets
Building on this plan, D.R.I.V.E. encourages heightened focus, teamwork and a common approach. It will align associate efforts and emphasize the importance of both collaboration and integration across business units. This strategy will enable diversification and limit exposure to industry cyclicality.
About Spartan Chassis, Inc.
Spartan Chassis, Inc. is a world-class leader in the engineering, manufacturing and marketing of chassis and aftermarket parts for emergency response, recreational vehicle (RV), defense and specialty vehicles. End users recognize and request the Spartan Chassis brand, which consistently delivers superior performance, exceptional safety ratings and innovations which distinguish us from the competition. Visit Spartan Chassis at www.spartanchassis.com.
About Spartan Motors
Spartan Motors, Inc. designs, engineers and manufactures specialty chassis, specialty vehicles, truck bodies and aftermarket parts for the recreational vehicle (RV), emergency response, government services, defense, and delivery and service markets. The Company's brand names – Spartan™, Spartan Chassis™, Spartan ER™, Spartan ERV™ and Utilimaster® - are known for quality, performance, service and first-to-market innovation. The Company employs approximately 1,700 associates at facilities in Michigan, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Indiana and Florida. Spartan reported sales of $471 million in 2012 and is focused on becoming a global leader in the design, engineering and manufacture of specialty vehicles and chassis. Visit Spartan Motors at www.spartanmotors.com.
This release contains several forward-looking statements that are not historical facts, including statements concerning our business, strategic position, financial strength, future plans, objectives, and the performance of our products. These statements can be identified by words such as "believe," "expect," "intend," "potential," "future," "may," "will," "should," and similar expressions regarding future expectations. These forward-looking statements involve various known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and assumptions that are difficult to predict with regard to timing, extent, and likelihood. Therefore, actual performance and results may materially differ from what may be expressed or forecasted in such forward-looking statements. Factors that could contribute to these differences include operational and other complications that may arise affecting the implementation of our plans and business objectives; continued pressures caused by economic conditions and the pace and extent of the economic recovery; challenges that may arise in connection with the integration of new businesses or assets we acquire or the disposition of assets; issues unique to government contracting, such as competitive bidding processes, qualification requirements, and delays or changes in funding; disruptions within our dealer network; changes in our relationships with major customers, suppliers, or other business partners, including Isuzu; changes in the demand or supply of products within our markets or raw materials needed to manufacture those products; and changes in laws and regulations affecting our business. Other factors that could affect outcomes are set forth in our Annual Report on Form 10-K and other filings we make with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), which are available at www.sec.gov or our website. All forward-looking statements in this release are qualified by this paragraph. Investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements as a prediction of actual results. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements in this release, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.